Column: Americans wary of U.S. role in Iraq

Two thirds of Americans do not believe that President Barack Obama has clearly explained U.S. goals in Iraq, according to a new New York Times/CBS News poll.

The poll found that 58 percent of Americans disapprove of the way Obama is handling foreign policy overall, a jump of 10 points in the last month to the highest level since Obama took office in 2009. The spike in disapproval is especially striking among Democrats — which now stands at 33 percent.

"I voted for him because he said, 'Give me four more years and I will fix everything,' but nothing is being fixed," Michelle Roberts, 34, a Democrat from Salem, Mass., said in a follow-up interview. "I understand he wants to fight terrorism, but send in robots, drones. Don't send in our troops. Our men and women are dying for what?"

So what do Americans think should happen in Iraq?

Percentage in favor of sending about 300 U.S. military advisers:

51

Percentage in favor of using drones for targeted attacks against militants:

56

Percentage opposed to using manned aircraft for such attacks:

51

Percentage opposed to sending ground troops:

77

Percentage who are "very concerned" that U.S. intervention would lead to a long and costly involvement:

54

Percentage who are "somewhat concerned" that the violence in Iraq might lead to a more widespread war: